JACK LIPSETT – TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATOR
Chances are that if you’ve called the Township Offices with a concern or
a complaint, or even with a question, you were referred to Jack Lipsett. And chances are that within a very short
time you either had an answer or were assured that action was being taken on
your issue.
If you’ve ever attended a Township Meeting, Jack is the young man
sitting just below the Township Solicitor, at the left of the room,
manipulating the tape machine and assiduously taking notes. He’s the one that members of the Township
Committee turn to for clarification of a point or to implement an action they
deem necessary as a result of their deliberations.
In other words, Jack is the man behind the scenes, getting the job done,
making sure the Township records are maintained and overseeing the employees in
the various offices of the Township.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Jack Lipsett graduated from Temple
University and Widener University, receiving his Master’s in Public
Administration.
After interning in Haddonfield Borough for a number of months, Jack
landed his first job in local government and was appointed Business
Administrator of Mount Holly Township.
In 2000, Jack was appointed Township Clerk/Administrator of Southampton
Township.
In his role as Clerk/Administrator, Lipsett runs the day-to-day affairs
of the Township. He takes his direction
from the Township Committee, which establishes policy and procedures. He is involved in every aspect of
Southampton Township from very routine matters to complex issues. Jack supervises over 30 employees and a 4.5
million dollar budget.
In addition to his role as Clerk/Administrator, Mr. Lipsett is the
township’s representative on the Burlington County Joint Insurance Fund. He is also on the Board of Directors of the
Sally Stretch Keen Memorial Library.
Jack takes his job very seriously.
He recognizes his heavy responsibilities, and the role he plays as
spokesperson for the Township Committee and as an advocate for the concerns of
the citizens of Southampton Township.
He has been an advocate of shared services and other cost-saving
alliances for the Township. After
receiving a citizen complaint or concern, Jack has been known to immediately
hop in his car and check out the problem area to see first hand how it can be
solved.
Examples of his involvement include his recent “hands-on” participation
in the purchase and construction of the children’s playground at the Municipal
Complex. Last year he stepped forward
to don the Santa Claus costume for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting
ceremony. He is present at all our
summer concerts to make sure everything runs smoothly.
The role of Township Clerk/Administrator can sometimes be a thankless
job — the voices of complaint are often louder than the messages of
gratitude. But Jack recognizes that as an “occupational hazard”, and
maintains a pleasant attitude while carrying out his many duties.
Jack and his wife, Sara, have been married over five years and have two
daughters, Annie, 4 and Jane, 2. Jack is a frequent user of one of
Southampton’s great resources: The Vincentown Library.
He is also an avid Phillies and Eagles fan — with special emphasis on
the Phillies!